Why do we need conceptualization?

  1. Description
  2. Validation
  3. Clarification

How to construct an concept?

  • Component 1: Indicators
    • "A reflection of a variable we wish to study." (Babbie 128)

Exercise I: Which one is an indicator?

Exercise II: Which one is an indicator?

Component 2: Dimension

  • "A specifiable aspect" (Babbie 129)
  • This?

  • Also this.

Exercise I:

  • Sour:
  • pH scale:

  • Feeling:

Exercise II:

  • Hotness
  • Temperature:

  • Taste:

Of course,…

  • Face shape
  • Hot

  • Not hot

Component 3: Mutually agreement

Does your definition make sense?

Invalid conceptualization: stretching

"When the concept of democracy is applied to cases for which, by relevant scholarly standards, it is not appropriate."

Avoid stretching

  • Sartori's ladder:
    • Defining attributes (connotation)
    • Applied cases (extension)

Some techniques

  • Compromise with the reality.